Andhra Pradesh Launches Project HANUMAN to Address Human–Wildlife Conflict

Pawan Kalyan Unveils Project HANUMAN for Wildlife Rescue and Monitoring

Pawan Kalyan launched Project HANUMAN on March 3, 2026, coinciding with World Wildlife Day. The initiative aims to reduce human–wildlife conflict in the state while strengthening systems for wildlife rescue, medical treatment and monitoring. The programme was introduced at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police 6th Battalion Parade Grounds in Mangalagiri, located in Guntur district.

Project HANUMAN stands for Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife . The initiative focuses on rapid response mechanisms, improved wildlife rehabilitation facilities and technology-based monitoring to ensure both human safety and wildlife protection in forest-adjacent regions.

Rising Human–Wildlife Conflict in the State

Incidents of human–wildlife conflict have increased across Andhra Pradesh due to shrinking habitats, agricultural expansion and wildlife movement near settlements. During the financial year 2025–26, the state recorded 2,107 incidents involving wildlife encounters.

The government paid nearly ₹4 crore in compensation to affected individuals and families. Compensation norms have also been revised: financial assistance for deaths caused by wildlife attacks has increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh , while compensation for injuries has been raised to ₹2 lakh . Livestock losses will be reimbursed according to prevailing market value.

Rapid Response and Rescue Infrastructure

Under Project HANUMAN, the state will deploy 100 specialised vehicles , including 93 rapid-response vehicles and seven wildlife ambulances , to manage emergency wildlife situations.

Each response unit will include a forest range officer, veterinary staff, tribal assistants and trained support personnel. Their responsibilities include rescuing injured animals, providing immediate medical care and relocating wildlife when necessary.

To support rehabilitation efforts, four wildlife rescue and treatment centres have been established at Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati and Birlut.

Community Participation and Elephant Management

Village-level volunteer groups called “Vajra” (Wildlife Rakshak) teams have been introduced to manage minor wildlife incidents and snake rescues. These teams help reduce panic in villages and ensure animals are handled safely.

The initiative also addresses elephant-related crop damage in districts such as Chittoor, Srikakulam and Parvatipuram Manyam. In collaboration with Karnataka, the government has deployed four Kumki elephants , trained elephants used to guide or control wild herds. Authorities have already carried out eight operations to manage elephant movement.

Important Facts for Exams

• World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March .

• Kumki elephants are trained elephants used to manage wild elephant herds.

• Human–wildlife conflict often results from habitat loss and agricultural expansion.

• Rapid response wildlife units help manage rescue and conflict mitigation.

Technology-Based Wildlife Monitoring

Project HANUMAN will also use artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to track wildlife near forest boundaries and issue early warnings before animals enter human settlements.

A dedicated HANUMAN mobile application